Steel tip dartboards, also known as “bristle dartboards,” are the traditional type of dartboard used in professional dart games, such as those seen in international competitions like the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship.
These dartboards are usually made from sisal or hemp fibers densely packed together, providing a sturdy yet slightly pliable surface. The darts used with these boards have a sharp, steel tip designed to penetrate this material. The boards themselves are typically divided into 20 radial sections, each marked with a number from 1 to 20, and a few special zones (like the bullseye and double/triple score areas) that provide additional scoring options.
Steel tip dartboards are often favored by serious darts players because they offer a high level of durability and consistent performance. However, because of the sharpness of the darts, precautions should be taken when setting up these boards to prevent accidents or damage to the surrounding area.
5 Key Takeaways
- Steel tip dartboards, also known as bristle dartboards, are used in professional dart games and are the standard for international competitions.
- The boards are typically made from dense sisal or hemp fibers, providing a firm but slightly yielding surface for the darts to penetrate.
- The darts used on these boards have a sharp, steel tip, hence the name “steel tip dartboards.”
- The dartboards feature 20 radial sections numbered from 1 to 20, along with additional special scoring zones, such as the bullseye and double/triple score areas.
- While steel tip dartboards are preferred for their durability and consistent performance, they do require safety precautions due to the sharpness of the darts, including care when setting up these boards to avoid accidents or damage.
Why Own a Steel Tip Dartboard?
Owning a steel tip dartboard, as opposed to other types, like electronic or magnetic dartboards, can offer several benefits, especially if you’re interested in a more traditional, professional darts experience:
1. Authenticity – Steel tip dartboards provide a traditional, authentic dart-playing experience. They are used in professional tournaments worldwide and are the standard for darts play. If you are a serious player or aspire to be, using the same equipment as professionals can enhance your training and gameplay.
2. Durability – These boards are made of sisal or hemp fibers and are built to last. They can withstand countless games, with the fibers closing back up after the dart is removed, essentially “healing” the hole left by the dart.
3. Skill Development – Steel tip darts require a certain level of precision and force. They can therefore help improve your accuracy and throwing skills over time, especially compared to soft-tip or magnetic darts, which are lighter and easier to throw.
4. Aesthetic Appeal – A classic steel tip dartboard can add a traditional, pub-like feel to a game room, basement, or garage. It has an old-school charm that electronic boards often lack.
5. No Need for Power – Unlike electronic dartboards, steel tip dartboards don’t need electricity or batteries to function. This can be beneficial if you want to play in an area without access to power or if you just prefer a game experience that’s not reliant on technology.
Best Steel Tip Dartboards and Related Accessories
- WDF APPROVED TOR STEEL TIP DARTBOARD: Discover Target Darts’ TOR Dartboard, officially approved by the World...
- 215-MDG PREMIUM MADIGASCAN SISAL: Constructed with 215-MDG premium Madagascan sisal, the board offers...
- STAINLESS STEEL THIN WIRE SYSTEM: The durable stainless steel spiderweb structure reduces bounce outs, while...
- MODERN 36XTEN ROTATIONAL NUMBER RING: Featuring the innovative and modern 36XTEN rotational number ring, the...
- PACK CONTAINS: 1x TOR Competition Standard Steel Tip Dartboard, and 1x Wall Fixing Kit. Approved by the WDF...
- Constructed from self-healing sisal bristle fibers compressed together, providing unsurpassed durability
- Staple-free spider utilizes razor thin galvanized wires which greatly increases the surface area, helping...
- Viper Razorback is an official tournament size board, measuring 18" in diameter and 1.5" D
- A movable number ring further extends the dartboard's life
- Dartboard accommodates both steel tip and soft tip darts and includes mounting hardware
- Highest grade self-healing African Sisal available, the slash will heal over time to its original pristine...
- The thinnest Razor Wire Spider we've included on a Dart board gives the slash larger scoring segments and...
- Staple free bullseye further reduces bounce outs preventing them from interfering with your game
- WORLD DARTS FEDERATION APPROVED; Prepare for tournament play with this standard officially sized 17.75 inch...
- Innovative magnetic dart holders stick to the side of the dartboard and provide a secure place to store darts...
- Self-Healing Sisal Fibers - Compressed sisal fibers heal over time, ensuring your dart board is always ready...
- Circular Spider Wire - Galvanized steel spider wire and staple-free bullseye helps to reduce bounce-outs and...
- Regulation Size - 17.75” diameter face so you’ll play on the same size dart board as the pros
- Rotating Number Ring - Detachable number ring allows you to rotate the board, letting the sisal fibers heal...
- Easy Setup - Includes easy-to-use mounting hardware, two sets of darts, a throw line, and throw line measuring...
- Self-Recovering Sisal Fibers - Compressed sisal fibers allow the holes left by darts to recover over time,...
- Circular Spider Wire - Galvanized steel spider wire and staple-free bullseye help to reduce bounce-outs and...
- Scorekeeping Kit - Comes with a Cricket Scoreboard, chalk, and eraser, giving you everything you need to...
- Rotatable Number Ring - Detachable number ring allows you to rotate the board, letting the sisal fibers heal...
- Easy Setup - Includes easy-to-use mounting hardware, chalk scoreboard with chalk, one set of darts, a throw...
- OFFICIAL SIZE - 18" x 1.5" ideal dartboard for recreational and local competitive steel tip play
- SISAL BOARD - Made with genuine bristle sisal that repairs itself after darts are removed from the board
- STAPLE FREE BULLSEYE - Staple-free bullseye further reduces bounce outs during gameplay and provides higher...
- STEEL TIP - Ideal for Steel tip darts
- Accudart - The original pioneer of tungsten darts in the US, has challenged the status quo for over 50 years....
- Constructed from self-healing sisal bristle fibers compressed together, providing unsurpassed durability
- Features a staple-free bullseye which helps prevent bounce-outs; A movable number ring further extends the...
- Viper Dead On is an official tournament size board, measuring 18" in diameter and 1.5" D
- Utilizes thin, rounded galvanized wires that allow darts to slide off the spider and land in the target area
- Dartboard accommodates both steel tip and soft tip darts and includes mounting hardware
- PROFESSIONAL QUALITY: This dartboard is made with premium quality materials for an authentic, high-quality...
- SELF HEALING: The sisal dartboard material maintains a strong hold on darts and self-heals dart marks so it...
- STEEL WIRE: The solid steel dividers provide a genuine feel and are built to last for the long haul
- PRINTED NUMBERS: The number ring is printed directly on the board with high-contrast coloring for easy reading...
- OFFICIAL SIZE: This 18" dartboard is regulation size which makes it perfect whether you're just having some...
